It’s finally Friday, and we know everyone’s itching to get off work/school/the couch and grab a drink (or twenty) with their friends this evening. How are we so sure? Because we’re right there with you.
In light of the epicness that is the weekend, we’re here to offer you our drink pick of the week. There’s no doubt that shots and beer are always fun, but sometimes it’s nice to get a little weird. Why not broaden your horizons a little? Try out this new conCOCKtion tonight to liven up your evening. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
Cucumber-Lime Pops With Gin
Summer is typically spent slaving over an internship or another seasonal job, earning money for the sole purpose of having fun. With that in mind, it’s time to drink like the adult you’ve sadly become. Best made ahead of time, these gin-infused cucumber-lime pops were born for those casual get-togethers you’ve grown accustomed to hosting. This way, people will think you actually have your life together (don’t worry, Sorry For Partying knows the truth). So get ready to impress the crowd, because this summer treat is like a mint julep in popsicle form.
MIXIN’S
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon water
1/4 cup coarsely chopped mint leaves
2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup gin
One 12-ounce cucumber—peeled, seeded and pureed (1 1/4 cups)
1/2 teaspoon unflavored powdered gelatin
DIRECTIONS
- Combine the sugar with the 1/4 cup of water and the mint in a small saucepan, bringing it to a boil. Cover and remove the pan from the heat, letting it rest for 15 minutes. Strain the cooled syrup into a large bowl and wait for it to cool to room temperature. When ready, whisk in the lime zest, lime juice, gin and cucumber puree.
- In a microwavable bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the remaining 1 tablespoon of water and let stand until it softens, which usually takes around 5 minutes. Microwave the mixture at high power for 8 seconds, until the gelatin dissolves. Whisk the gelatin into the cucumber mixture.
- Put ten 2-ounce paper cups on a baking sheet. Pour the popsicle mixture into the cups and freeze them for 1 hour, until partially frozen. Insert a stick in the center of each cup and freeze for 30 minutes longer, until fully frozen.
- Get to drunk eating. That’s an order.